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Mobility Gentle ~3 min

Scar massage (mobilization)

Use slow circles or gentle strokes along a healed scar to loosen tight tissue and improve glide — distinct from texture desensitization, but often used in the same recovery phase.

Equipment: No special equipment

Do this exercise

1 set × 3 reps. Watch the demo and tap through at your own pace — we log your reps, holds, and how it felt.

Prefer the classic step-by-step timer?

Wash hands. Optional: a pea-sized amount of plain lotion on fingertips (skip if your team said lotion-free).

Ready when you are

We'll guide you through 5 short steps — about 2 minutes of guided motion. Pause or stop anytime — nothing is uploaded.

Have ready: No special equipment

Contraindications & stop if…

When not to do this

  • Open, draining, or unhealed wounds
  • Sutures still in place unless your surgeon cleared massage
  • Suspected infection or skin breakdown
  • Recent surgery or graft without written clearance for scar mobilization

Stop if

  • Sharp or tearing pain
  • Bleeding, blistering, or open spots
  • Increasing redness, heat, or swelling after massage
How does the hand feel right now?
No painWorst pain

Prefer a quick pacing gate before the timer? Use full guided session — it asks for pain, stiffness, and fatigue in a few taps first (education only, not clearance).

Why it helps

Controlled massage can help a mature scar move more like surrounding skin so daily stretch and grip feel less “tethered.”

What it should feel like

Mild pulling or tightness — not sharp pain. Skin may pink slightly then fade.

Target area

Scar tissue

Stop if you notice

  • Sharp or tearing pain
  • Bleeding, blistering, or open spots
  • Increasing redness, heat, or swelling after massage

Get clearance first if

  • Open, draining, or unhealed wounds
  • Sutures still in place unless your surgeon cleared massage
  • Suspected infection or skin breakdown
  • Recent surgery or graft without written clearance for scar mobilization
Instructions, dose & tipsSetup, how many to do, and common mistakes
Explainer

How to do it well

Goal, setup, dose, and the things therapists most often have to repeat. This is education — not a replacement for your clinician's plan.

Before you start

  • Confirm with your surgeon or hand therapist that scar massage is appropriate for your stage.
  • Skin must be fully closed with no drainage.
  • Stop if anything feels sharp or the scar looks angrier afterward.

Today's dose

Reps
3
Sets
1
Sessions / day
2
Rest
120s
Pain ceiling
2/10

Common mistakes

  • Pressing as hard as a deep-tissue massage
  • Massaging before the wound is healed
  • Skipping moisturizer when dry skin cracks (if lotion is allowed)

Easier version

  • Circle only a 1 cm section for 30 seconds total
  • One short session every other day

Harder version

Only if your phase allows progression.

  • Add one extra slow lengthwise glide only if the scar stays calm for 48 hours

How did this feel?

One tap. Saved as a question for your next visit when relevant — never auto-shared.